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1. Where and how was Tiger Balm invented?
Tiger Balm's classic analgesic ointment in a hexagonal jar, launched in Rangoon in 1924, was a staple of Chinese families’ medicine cabinets for a generation. Today, Tiger Balm products have fans around the world, including Lady Gaga. We visited the Tiger Balm factory in Singapore. Learn more

2. What was the original product served by fast-food giant Jollibee?
Ice-cream. Learn more

3. What are Ayam famous for?
Canned goods that are affordable for everyone. Learn more

4. How was Yakult invented?
Japanese scientist Minoru Shirota came up with the health drink by combining using water, skimmed milk, glucose-fructose syrup, sucrose, citrus aroma — and of course live bacteria. Learn more

5. Tiger Balm is based in Singapore, but where was the product invented?
Fujian province, southern China, in the 1860s. Learn more

6. What was the original name of China's classic White Rabbit candy?
Mickey Mouse Sweets. Learn more

7. Why is there a rooster on Ayam Brand's products?
It's a symbol of France - the home company of the company founder. Learn more

8. What are the animals seen on cans of the Red Bull energy drink?
Wild gaur, or Indian bison, found throughout Asia. Learn more

9. How are Nissin Cup Noodles created?
The noodles are flash-fried. Learn more

10. What was the name of the company that preceded Singapore Airlines?
Malayan Airlines. Learn more

11. How many cases of Asahi beer are shipped every year?
100 million cases. Learn more



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Stories behind top Asian brands

11 things you may not know about historic Asian brands

Philippine franchise Jollibee has become one of the world’s biggest fast food chains. Photo: Jansen Romero

Tiger Balm products at the Haw Par Corporation's Tiger Balm factory in Singapore. Photo: Christopher DeWolf

The original White Rabbit wrapper became an iconic symbol in China. Photo: Guan Sheng Yuan Food Group

Ayam Brand canned products can be found sold in shops today all over the world. Photo: Antony Dickson

Red Bull sold 6.3 billion cans worldwide in 171 countries last year. It is the world’s biggest-selling energy drink and dominates numerous markets, includes a 43 per cent market share in the US.

Stacks of Nissin Cup Noodles from the maker of the world’s first instant noodles. Photo: Shutterstock

Singapore Girls at a promotional event at the Singapore Grand Prix. Photo: AFP

Asahi Super Dry became the bestselling beer in Japan in 1997. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Arts & Culture

Culture

Knowledge

Companies

Historic Asian brands

Explainers


From Singapore's Tiger Balm to Japan's Cup Noodles, many of Asia's top brands are now loved the world over. Here'll you find the fascinating histories of Asia's top companies and the hardworking people that built them.



Food and Drinks

Medicine